Full text of email from News of the World Editor Colin Myler to staff.

Dear Colleague

I know you will be as appalled as I am by claims that a private investigator working for the News of the World intercepted the voicemails of Milly Dowler, victims of the 7/7 atrocity and others.

We are urgently trying to establish the truth of these allegations which, if proved, would amount to the most unimaginable breach of journalistic ethics.

Understandably, there is a great deal of anger directed towards this newspaper as a result of what happened in some cases as far back as nine years ago

While this is unfair and extremely upsetting for all of you who had nothing to do with these activities, we have to accept and deal with those criticisms.

Inevitably, there is an extremely painful period ahead while we get to the bottom of these issues and atone for the wrong doing that took place in the past.

But please be aware that I am extremely proud of your loyalty and commitment , the work we have done, and continue to do, to ensure that nothing like this should happen again. I am also proud of the great, honest, journalism that continues to win awards and make a positive difference to people's lives.

We are the paper that campaigned to enshrine the Military Covenant in law, fought for ten years to establish Sarah's Law into legislation, the paper of Children's Champions, the paper that has fought tirelessly against bullying and so much more.

As Rebekah said in her statement yesterday, News International will pursue the facts with vigour and integrity.

Please be assured that, as Editor, I will do everything in my power to restore the News of the World's reputation for fair, accurate and, most importantly, responsible journalism.

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